Breathe... Relax... Ahhhh. Much better.
Time seems to go faster and faster ...and now, it is almost time for Santa to be loading up his sleigh and be on his merry way! Now that Thanksgiving has passed, the holiday shopping season is in full swing. Before you start to get yourself stressed out over how you are going to make it through the holiday season without going into debt or even have the time to get your shopping done, here are a few ways to help prepare!
Budgeting 101: Just as you would to go to the grocery store, make a list. Be honest with yourself. No one knows your finances better than you so make sure you set a budget that you're comfortable with. Don't feel obligated to get someone an expensive gift because 'they'll expect it' ... and don't try to impress. The spirit of Christmas is all about giving, sharing, and cherishing these moments with your loved ones.
Compare, Compare, Compare: Instead of staying up late because you're stressed out, spend your time doing your research! Compare all of your prices for the items on your list online before shopping in the stores. A lot of times you'll be able to get free shipping or a certain percentage off your orders. Shopping online is 'open 24/7' so there is no excuse for you to say that there just wasn't enough time to keep you from shopping at the last minue! Don't forget to look for coupons, early bird sales, and special discounts!
Creativity: Do not feel obligated to get everyone you know something outrgeous for the holiday season. Be creative & crafty! Not crafty? No problem! Find 'how-to' instructions on YouTube for inexpensive, unique ideas you can personalize for your friends & family!
Shhh!: 'Secret Santa' can help your budget go a long way! Organize a Secret Santa with your work buddies, friends, and family members! This way, you'll only have to spend the time and money on one person instead of feeling obligated to find everyone something.
Mmmm...: Baking is a very inexpensive, thoughtful gift idea. Neighbors, kids, teachers, parents, friends, ... who doesn't love a good home cooked treat during the holiday season! Make a large batch and package them in your personalized wrapping!
Plan Ahead: This might be something you say every year - you're going to start earlier next year. Start now! Open a separate account and make monthly deposits to your account. By putting just $20 in that account for 12 months, you'll have $240.00.
Now go on! Get frugal! Good luck & Happy Holidays!
Friday, November 27, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
First comes ... Then comes ...
"PRIORITIES! PRIORITIES! PRIORITIES!" ...If you had a mother like mine, I'm sure that saying is very familiar to you! And yes - I must admit, Mom gets another point for being 'right'!
When looking at your finances, it is very important to identify your goals, set your priorities, and make a plan! No matter what vehicles you use to save, budget, and spend your money ... be sure you can track it!
Saving: Saving money can be very easy in the world of home banking and direct deposit! There are so many products developed for the consumer looking for convenience in their financial institution. Take AmeriChoice, for example, with our Christmas Club and Vacation Club accounts. Many families take advantage of using these accounts to save money for holiday trips, gifts, and fun! Being able to set aside money in a separate account can be easier for those who find it difficult to save money. Also, be sure for each paycheck you earn, you should always set a portion of that into a separate account! Depending on what you can afford to set aside, even 5% of each pay can add up quickly.
Budgeting: I love the idea of having debit cards. It is so easy to lose track of cash that was once a $20.00 bill in your back pocket...and now is either missing or suddenly replaced by a few pennies and a bag of items you might not have really NEEDED. With debit cards, each month you'll get a statement of where and how you spent your money that month. It is very easy to keep track of expenses in your budget that way. Be careful not to overspend however, as it is very easy to swipe that card at the mall, grocery store, and gas station before you've spent quite a bit of money!
Unfortunately, there is not a secret formula to become a millionaire ... at least that I am aware of! :) For those who haven't entered the workforce and are still living under their parents roof, now is a great time to start saving for your future - whether it is educational costs or entertainment costs ... you are going to need money! Now is the time to learn to distinguish between your needs and wants. Keep that in mind as you are beginning to manage your money. Remember, you might not really NEED another pair of fancy new shoes ...and just because it is "on sale" doesn't mean you have to buy it!
When looking at your finances, it is very important to identify your goals, set your priorities, and make a plan! No matter what vehicles you use to save, budget, and spend your money ... be sure you can track it!
Saving: Saving money can be very easy in the world of home banking and direct deposit! There are so many products developed for the consumer looking for convenience in their financial institution. Take AmeriChoice, for example, with our Christmas Club and Vacation Club accounts. Many families take advantage of using these accounts to save money for holiday trips, gifts, and fun! Being able to set aside money in a separate account can be easier for those who find it difficult to save money. Also, be sure for each paycheck you earn, you should always set a portion of that into a separate account! Depending on what you can afford to set aside, even 5% of each pay can add up quickly.
Budgeting: I love the idea of having debit cards. It is so easy to lose track of cash that was once a $20.00 bill in your back pocket...and now is either missing or suddenly replaced by a few pennies and a bag of items you might not have really NEEDED. With debit cards, each month you'll get a statement of where and how you spent your money that month. It is very easy to keep track of expenses in your budget that way. Be careful not to overspend however, as it is very easy to swipe that card at the mall, grocery store, and gas station before you've spent quite a bit of money!
Unfortunately, there is not a secret formula to become a millionaire ... at least that I am aware of! :) For those who haven't entered the workforce and are still living under their parents roof, now is a great time to start saving for your future - whether it is educational costs or entertainment costs ... you are going to need money! Now is the time to learn to distinguish between your needs and wants. Keep that in mind as you are beginning to manage your money. Remember, you might not really NEED another pair of fancy new shoes ...and just because it is "on sale" doesn't mean you have to buy it!
Concerts for Financial Literacy & Youth Outreach!
Ok - Some of you have been asking what the scoop is with our Concerts for Financial Literacy and youth outreach program. ...So, here you go!
At AmeriChoice, we have a very strong financial literacy initiative. As for me, being the Financial Literacy Manager - I'm in charge of our youth outreach and financial literacy program. We've developed an interactive outside-the-box, hands-on approach to make sure today's youth are ready & prepared for tomorrow!
First is our financial literacy lessons in the classroom. In the past year, we've reached over 6,000 students and provided financial literacy information to more than 16 school districts throughout South Central Pennsylvania!
Second is our Student-Run Credit Union Branches. To date, we have four active student run credit union branches located at area high schools and one at a local college. These branches operate during the school year to give the students an opportunity to save young and prepare for the future! With being student-run, it also gives some students the opportunity to see how financial institutions operate on the inside.
Third, we have our Concerts for Financial Literacy. In May of 2009, AmeriChoice Federal Credit Union held the first of four 'Concerts for Financial Literacy' to bring the message to local students that financial literacy is not just another subject in school, but a necessity for their future! At the concert, both professional and student talent were able to showcase their musical abilities and speak to the entire student body on how important money management is!
To see clips of our Concerts and connect with AmeriChoice in the world of social media, visit:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/americhoicefcu
Twitter: www.twitter.com/americhoicefcu
YouTube: www.youtube.com/americhoicefcu
AmeriChoice Federal Credit Union is a resource for our community and we hope to help you when you need us the most! To join our financial family, visit www.americhoice.org for additional details, news, promotions, and community events!
At AmeriChoice, we have a very strong financial literacy initiative. As for me, being the Financial Literacy Manager - I'm in charge of our youth outreach and financial literacy program. We've developed an interactive outside-the-box, hands-on approach to make sure today's youth are ready & prepared for tomorrow!
First is our financial literacy lessons in the classroom. In the past year, we've reached over 6,000 students and provided financial literacy information to more than 16 school districts throughout South Central Pennsylvania!
Second is our Student-Run Credit Union Branches. To date, we have four active student run credit union branches located at area high schools and one at a local college. These branches operate during the school year to give the students an opportunity to save young and prepare for the future! With being student-run, it also gives some students the opportunity to see how financial institutions operate on the inside.
Third, we have our Concerts for Financial Literacy. In May of 2009, AmeriChoice Federal Credit Union held the first of four 'Concerts for Financial Literacy' to bring the message to local students that financial literacy is not just another subject in school, but a necessity for their future! At the concert, both professional and student talent were able to showcase their musical abilities and speak to the entire student body on how important money management is!
To see clips of our Concerts and connect with AmeriChoice in the world of social media, visit:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/americhoicefcu
Twitter: www.twitter.com/americhoicefcu
YouTube: www.youtube.com/americhoicefcu
AmeriChoice Federal Credit Union is a resource for our community and we hope to help you when you need us the most! To join our financial family, visit www.americhoice.org for additional details, news, promotions, and community events!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
First Impressions ... ::Handshake:: & It's a Pleasure to Meet You!
First off, I'd like to say 'welcome' and thanks for visiting our new blog! AmeriChoice Federal Credit Union has a very strong financial literacy initiative and we want to give you the answers to your questions! Breaking the code to the financial world can be quite difficult without the proper resources and information. Stay tuned for the latest and greatest ideas to keep you out of debt, away from trouble, and on your way to financial freedom!
If you ever have any questions or would like more information on a specific topic, please do not hesitate to contact me. Email your questions, ideas, or comments to KBindl@americhoice.org.
Don't forget to become a fan on Facebook - www.facebook.com/americhoicefcu and twitter - www.twitter.com/americhoicefcu.
Check out www.americhoice.org for promotions, news, and additional information on the products and services we offer!
If you ever have any questions or would like more information on a specific topic, please do not hesitate to contact me. Email your questions, ideas, or comments to KBindl@americhoice.org.
Don't forget to become a fan on Facebook - www.facebook.com/americhoicefcu and twitter - www.twitter.com/americhoicefcu.
Check out www.americhoice.org for promotions, news, and additional information on the products and services we offer!
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